The Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center (CHWCC) on the UC Santa Barbara campus in Goleta began offering free household hazardous waste disposal services to Carpinteria residents on October 1. This new arrangement provides an additional, convenient option for Carpinteria residents to safely manage hazardous materials.
The CHWCC, located at 565 Henry T. Yang Drive, Building 565 (Environmental Health and Safety Building), is now available to Carpinteria residents on most weekends. This accessibility expands upon Carpinteria’s existing twice-monthly collection services, offering more frequent opportunities for disposal. Additionally, the Goleta facility accepts a wider variety of household hazardous waste materials compared to Carpinteria's ongoing program.
DeLayni Millar, Environmental Program manager, commented on the significance of this new resource, stating that "The CHWCC is a valuable addition to the city’s hazardous waste program." Millar further emphasized the city's broader objective, noting that the city’s goal is to make hazardous waste disposal as easy as possible. This initiative aims to keep the local community and environment clean, safe, and healthy. Residents are encouraged to utilize this new resource alongside other existing services.
To access the CHWCC, Carpinteria residents must provide proof of residency. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, a utility bill, or vehicle registration. The center operates on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are specific limits for disposal per trip: residents may bring up to 125 pounds of solid waste or 15 gallons of liquid waste. Loads exceeding these quantities may be turned away.
The range of accepted materials at the CHWCC is comprehensive. It includes all items typically accepted through the City’s Antifreeze, Battery, Oil, and Paint (ABOP) collection program. Beyond these, the facility also takes aerosol cans, various cleaning products, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Pool chemicals and car batteries are also on the list of accepted hazardous waste items.
It is important for residents to note that the collection center has specific operating conditions. It will be closed during rain events to ensure safety. Additionally, the center closes on the weekends that fall closest to major holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Residents planning to visit during these periods are advised to call 805-882-3602 to confirm operating hours.
While primarily serving residents, the CHWCC also provides services for businesses. Businesses can use the center on Fridays, but this requires an appointment and involves a fee. More information regarding business disposal services and appointments can be obtained by calling 805-882-3602.
This expanded access to the CHWCC complements Carpinteria's established hazardous waste disposal efforts. The city will continue its twice-monthly ABOP collection events without any changes. Furthermore, Carpinteria’s annual Household Goods and Hazardous Waste Collection Day will also proceed as scheduled.
Funding for all three hazardous waste services—the new access to the CHWCC, the ongoing ABOP collections, and the annual Household Goods and Hazardous Waste Collection Day—comes from AB 939 solid waste fees. These fees are collected in accordance with state law through trash service rates. Their purpose is to support various initiatives related to waste reduction, diversion, and recycling within the community.
Any questions specifically pertaining to the CHWCC can be directed to 805-882-3602.
